National Academies' Gulf Research Program Announces 2017 Early-Career Research and Science Policy Fellowships

WASHINGTON – The Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine today announced the recipients of its Early-Career Research Fellowships and Science Policy Fellowships for 2017. These competitive awards are among a suite of program activities aimed at supporting the development of future generations of scientists, engineers, and health professionals prepared to work at the intersections of oil system safety, human health and well-being, and environmental stewardship in the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. outer continental shelf regions.

“This year marks the Gulf Research Program’s third class of fellows,” said Maggie Walser, director of education and capacity building for the Gulf Research Program. “The talented and promising researchers and professionals receiving these awards will add to a growing network of future leaders in the science, engineering, and health professions that can work together to tackle the complex, interdisciplinary challenges that face the Gulf coast and other coastal regions. The ultimate impact of these fellows will extend far beyond the lengths of their fellowship terms.”

The Early-Career Research Fellowships recognize professionals at the critical pre-tenure phase of their careers for exceptional leadership, past performance, and potential for future contributions to improving oil system safety, human health and well-being, or environmental protection. Each fellow receives an award of $76,000, paid to their institution in the form of a two-year grant, for research expenses and professional development. In addition, fellows receive professional guidance from a mentor who is a senior faculty member at their home institution to foster their development as leaders.

In alphabetical order, the 10 recipients of the 2017 Early-Career Research Fellowships are:

The Science Policy Fellowships are focused on leadership development and capacity building at the science-policy interface by providing fellows with a one-year experience on the staff of a federal or state environmental, natural resources, oil and gas, or public health agency in the Gulf of Mexico region. The fellowships are awarded to graduate or professional students or those who have completed their studies within the past five years and demonstrate a strong scientific or technical background, superior academic achievement, and leadership qualities. Fellows receive an annual stipend of $45,000 for current students or $55,000 for graduates. In addition, fellows are paired with a mentor at their host offices and have opportunities for professional development.

In alphabetical order, the nine recipients of the 2017 Science Policy Fellowships are:

The Gulf Research Program, a program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, was established in 2013 as a result of theDeepwater Horizon oil spill and seeks to improve understanding of the interconnecting human, environmental, and energy systems of the Gulf of Mexico and other U.S. outer continental shelf areas. The program funds grants, fellowships, and other activities using three broad approaches: research and development, education and training, and environmental monitoring. To learn more about the Gulf Research Program, including fellowships and other funding opportunities, visit www.national-academies.org/gulf. More information about the 2017 Gulf Research Program fellows is available at www.national-academies.org/gulf/fellowships/fellows-2017.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, technology, and medicine. The Academies operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln. For more information, visit www.national-academies.org.